The Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) is one of North America’s most iconic and captivating bird species. Known for their rolling, trumpet-like calls and their elegant, long-legged silhouettes, …

The Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) is one of North America’s most iconic and captivating bird species. Known for their rolling, trumpet-like calls and their elegant, long-legged silhouettes, these cranes draw birders from all over the world. Whether they’re gliding across a prairie sky, gathering in massive migratory flocks, or dancing in open wetlands, Sandhill Cranes offer one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences you can find.

The Eastern Screech Owl is one of North America’s smallest and most astonishing owls. Though its name suggests a “screech,” over time you’ll come to recognize its soft descending whinny and gentle rhythmic trill, sounds that are more mysterious than startling. Appearance & Morphs These owls come in two distinct color morphs: Gray and Rufous (red-toned). Both morphs share ear tufts (“horns”), large yellow eyes, and a compact build that often measures just 6 to 10 inches in height, with a wingspan of about 18-24 inches.

The Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) is one of the smallest and most well-camouflaged owls in North America. This species is commonly found throughout the eastern United States and parts of southern Canada. Despite its name, it does not typically screech. Instead, it produces a soft, descending whinny or a gentle, rhythmic trill that many people mistake for frogs or insects at night.

Description & Identification Size: about 5.1 to 6.0 in (≈ 130-150 mm) Weight: around 12–13 g (≈ 0.4–0.5 oz) Bill: pinkish/pale pink (a good distinguishing trait) Head: distinct rusty or reddish…

Description & Identification Size: about 5.1 to 6.0 in (≈ 130-150 mm) Weight: around 12–13 g (≈ 0.4–0.5 oz) Bill: pinkish/pale pink (a good distinguishing trait) Head: distinct rusty or reddish crown, relatively plain gray face, white eye ring (neat, conspicuous). Back, wings: brown with streaking; two whitish wing bars may be present. Underparts: buffy on breast, white belly. Variants: There are somewhat rufous and grayer morphs (color variation) in some populations.

Basic Description & Taxonomy Scientific name: Eastern Phoebe = Sayornis phoebe. Family: Tyrannidae (the tyrant flycatchers) It’s a small passerine (songbird) insect-eater, common in eastern Nor…

Basic Description & Taxonomy Scientific name: Eastern Phoebe = Sayornis phoebe. Family: Tyrannidae (the tyrant flycatchers) It’s a small passerine (songbird) insect-eater, common in eastern North America. Identification & Appearance Length: about 5.5 – 6.7 in (14–17 cm). Weight: approx 0.6 – 0.7 oz (16–21 g). Wingspan: ~ 10.2 – 11.0 in (26–28 cm). Plumage: gray-brown above (upperparts), whitish throat, dull buff / off-white underparts.

The Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) is a small, striking waterbird that is often seen in Ohio during migration seasons. While its breeding plumage is famous for its golden “horns” and r…

The Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) is a small, striking waterbird that is often seen in Ohio during migration seasons. While its breeding plumage is famous for its golden "horns" and rich chestnut body, the nonbreeding plumage tells a very different story. In Ohio, birders most often encounter Horned Grebes in this nonbreeding stage, especially during late fall, winter, and early spring.

The Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) is a medium-sized sparrow found throughout North America, well-known for its rich trills and preference for wetland habitats. Despite its subtle plumage, thi…

The Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) is a medium-sized sparrow found throughout North America, well-known for its rich trills and preference for wetland habitats. Despite its subtle plumage, this species is a favorite among birders because of its distinctive song, secretive nature, and importance to wetland ecosystems. Physical Description Swamp Sparrows are often described as “plain but elegant” sparrows. Key identification features include:

The Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) is a small, ground-dwelling warbler found throughout North America’s forests. Unlike many of its warbler cousins that prefer treetops, the Ovenbird spends most of its life on the forest floor, where its camouflage and behavior make it a quiet but fascinating resident of the woods. Identification Size: About 5–6 inches long, with a wingspan of 8–10 inches.

The Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) is a striking, ground-dwelling songbird belonging to the sparrow family (Passerellidae). Known for its bold black, white, and rufous plumage, as well as…

The Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) is a rare and unique songbird that breeds primarily in Michigan, with smaller populations in Wisconsin and Ontario. Known for its striking plumage, spe…

The Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) is a rare and unique songbird that breeds primarily in Michigan, with smaller populations in Wisconsin and Ontario. Known for its striking plumage, specialized habitat requirements, and remarkable conservation success story, the Kirtland’s Warbler is one of North America’s most iconic endangered bird species. Although it has recently been removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List due to recovery efforts, it remains a notable example of conservation success.

The Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) is a small, melodic songbird found across much of eastern North America. Known for its sweet trills and preference for pine forests, the Pine Warbler is a favorit…

The Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) is a small, melodic songbird found across much of eastern North America. Known for its sweet trills and preference for pine forests, the Pine Warbler is a favorite among birders, especially during migration season. If you’re looking to identify, attract, or learn more about this species, this complete guide will give you everything you need.

General Overview Scientific name: Cathartes aura Common names: Turkey vulture, buzzard (in rural U.S. usage), carrion crow (older term). Family: Cathartidae (New World vultures). Range: Found throughout most of the Americas from southern Canada down through the U.S., Central America, South America, all the way to Tierra del Fuego. The Turkey Vulture is one of the most abundant raptors in the Western Hemisphere, playing a crucial role as a scavenger.